Sports ramblings…with a Yankees bias!

Last Link to Lou Gehrig Passes Away…

The oldest Yankee legend has passed away…

Tommy Henrich, 96, a Yankees outfielder in the 30’s and 40’s, died yesterday in Dayton, Ohio.Henrich was part of a tremendous outfield trio in the late 40’s that included Charlie Keller and Joe DiMaggio.

In Game 1 of the 1949 World Series, Henrich hit the first game-winning home run in Series history in a 1-0 victory over Don Newcombe and the Brooklyn Dodgers.Henrich, like many of the players from his era, missed three years due to military service during World War II.

Henrich, a five time All-Star, played 11 seasons and hit 183 home runs.His career batting average was .282.He retired following the 1950 season.During his career, Henrich was part of seven World Series Championships.

He was nicknamed “Old Reliable” by the great Yankee broadcaster Mel Allen due to his knack for coming up with clutch hits in big games.On a sad note, Henrich was the final surviving teammate of the legendary Lou Gehrig and the last member of the 1938 World Champions.

An autographed picture of Henrich has long been one of my prized possessions.In Yankees history, he ranks as one of my personal favorites.I never got to meet Henrich, but he will be missed.

The Yankees did not offer arbitration to any of their free agents.So, Andy Pettitte, Johnny Damon, and Hideki Matsui are free to sign with any team without compensation to the Yanks.I understand the reasons (they couldn’t take the chance that any of the players accept arbitration), but it does feel that the bonds to the players have lessened considerably.I still think that Andy Pettitte will come back on a one year deal, but I am getting pessimistic that Damon will return.It was a given that Matsui most likely will not be back.

With the talk of Boston’s interest in Matt Holliday, it will be interesting to see if that sparks any Yankee interest in Jason Bay.If both Damon and Matsui leave, the Yankees will lose a tremendous amount of production that needs to be replaced.

Antonelli/New York Daily News

Derek Jeter was named Sport Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year.Surprisingly, he is the first Yankee to win the award in its 56 year history.It was a great year for the Yankee captain, and of course, just another noted achievement, in what is becoming a long list of achievements, for the future plaque that will be placed in Monument Park when DJ retires.Congratulations to Derek for the well-deserved honor and recognition!

The New York Jets brought in Yankees manager Joe Girardi to teach QB Mark Sanchez how to slide?Seriously?…

4 Comments

To teach Sanchez how to slide? You’re kidding? It was sad to hear of the passing of Tommy Henrich – an era has ended. It is a sad day for Yankee fans. My condolences to the Yankee Organization and Mr. Henrich’s family.

Good piece about Henrich. It is very cool that you have an autographed photo of him! Very appropriate also that you paired it with Jeter’s well-deserved award. Another connection between the two Yankees greats, Jeter and Gehrig. Hats off to both!
It is interesting that the Yankees did not offer arb. on the chance that they might accept–as if that were a great tragedy. After all, one of these was your WS MVP!! Interesting, indeed. But I am with Julia–NO J-BAY FOR YOU, GOOD SIR! ;)
Take care, Scott.

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